In North American Grappling Association tournaments, the coveted prize is the first place Samurai. It is exciting for a team to win even one.

On June 27 a team of five boys – the Botello brothers from Mashpee and Paul Cody of Bourne – took the NAGA East Coast Grappling Championships by storm, earning an unprecedented 13 swords, as well as three medals.

“The kids had so many swords, people thought they were the ones handing them out,” said Chris Botello, father of CJ, Michael, Nicholas and Mark, four of the five members of the Botello Brothers Grappling Team.

Grappling is a mat sport that combines techniques from Jiu Jitsu, Judo, wrestling and Sambo. Fighters in the sport win by points or by forcing their opponent into submission through choke moves, joint locks (think half-nelsons), or by a tapout in which an opponent taps the floor to signal submission.

While the Botello Brothers’ achievements are impressive, they become more impressive upon learning that the average age of the team is nine. CJ is 14, brother Michael is 12, Paul Cody is 9, Nick Botello is 8 and Mark Botello is 6.

The five began participating in mat sports through classes at Cape Cod Mat Sports in Mashpee, learning wrestling from Mark Barrett, Judo from Sensei Ron Landry, Jiu Jitsu from Juliano Coutinho at Daniel Gracie Cape Cod and mixed martial arts through the Cape Cod Fighting Alliance. The Botellos have also wrestled through the Barnstable Youth program.

Although grappling can be an intensely physical sport, fathers Chris Botello and Dave Cody have no qualms about letting their sons compete.

“Boys are always jumping on each other,” said Cody. “This carries that right through.”

“Judo under age 13 is the safest contact sport there is,” said Botello.

Grappling is a sport the boys have really taken to. Already the Botello Brothers are familiar in grappling circuits, having competed in tournaments throughout the United States, as well as Bermuda and the Bahamas.

Both fathers appreciate all the sport has taught their sons in their young lives, lessons they know will carry them through to adulthood.

“They learn a humbling respect,” said Botello. “[They learn that] you don’t ever talk to anyone about how good you are. You show it on the mat.”

Botello said his oldest son has also learned tolerance.

“CJ has met kids from around the world,” he said. “He’s learned to deal with different personalities. It’s really taught him to respect other people.”

Botello recalled a meet during which Mark defeated the No. 1 grappler in the country in his division.

“I turned around afterwards and they were playing tag together,” he said.

Right now the team is preparing for participation in the North American Grappling Championships in Newark, New Jersey, Nov. 14 and 15. The boys hope to bring home more trophies, this time in the form of leather belts rather than swords.